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HI ,
I think when we say we are fused to pelvis--aren't we fused to s1 with pelvic fixation. At least that is what my surgeon says. I call it my bi-pod as it isn't a tripod. It does remind me of how a tripod looks.
The s1 question--I was never given an option and I do understand not wanting more surgery. But do note that it is hard to sit. I have heard others say the same. I am getting close to 5 years and can only sit minutes at a time. The car is torture. I can't find out how to make it better. I am also fused 3 levels in the neck --so sitting upright totally is the only way if there isn't any neck support. resting back helps the neck but hurts the tailbone--so I stand up and avoid all of that. I actually stand or walk most of the day.
I am getting a new chair tomorrow--1st ever lounge chair. I am short so it is a small one so I can get out. I am praying that it helps. My feet are tired!
Good luck on getting ready--I know you have been reading the posts for awhile.
We are on your side,
Jackie

HI ,
I think when we say we are fused to pelvis--aren't we fused to s1 with pelvic fixation. At least that is what my surgeon says. I call it my bi-pod as it isn't a tripod. It does remind me of how a tripod looks.
The s1 question--I was never given an option and I do understand not wanting more surgery. But do note that it is hard to sit. I have heard others say the same. I am getting close to 5 years and can only sit minutes at a time. The car is torture. I can't find out how to make it better. I am also fused 3 levels in the neck --so sitting upright totally is the only way if there isn't any neck support. resting back helps the neck but hurts the tailbone--so I stand up and avoid all of that. I actually stand or walk most of the day.
I am getting a new chair tomorrow--1st ever lounge chair. I am short so it is a small one so I can get out. I am praying that it helps. My feet are tired!
Good luck on getting ready--I know you have been reading the posts for awhile.
We are on your side,
Jackie

I am 7 months out, fused T6 to S1, and can sit for about two hours at a time and then my tailbone starts to ache. A 5-10 minutes break resolves it. I am comfortable sitting on a straight kitchen chair, but can't really sit on anything soft like sofas. I sink in and it's hard on my tailbone. I avoid chairs where I'd have to recline because again, it bothers my tailbone. When I sit, I don't even bother with a back of a chair - sitting straight like a queen is a way to go for me. Right after the surgery, I was told do not sit for more than half-an-hour at a time and I complied most of the time, but would occasionally forget and sit for an hour without much pain. I think we're all different...

I am stronger than scoliosis, and won't let it rule my life!
45 years old - diagnosed at age 7
A/P surgery on March 5/7, 2013 - UCSF

Sitting really is not a problem except that my shoulders and upper back get somewhat sore. I prefer chairs with backs and soft backs.....not too short or it is difficult to get up. My tailbone does not get sore, but sitting 2 hours at a time sounds uncomfortable.
Susan

I discussed this with Dr. Lenke because my L5 was good. He said he generally fuses any patients over 40 to S1 because there is too much deterioration in the lumbar from years of use. That's me--I was 40 at surgery.

Does Dr. Lenke think there's a chance you could get away with never being fused to S1? If so, I'd go for it. I really think it's a different surgery for the s1 folks. We are handicapped in a sense after surgery. I chose to go ahead and do it because Dr. Lenke said it was a lock I would need an additional surgery within five years, possibly sooner. But if I could have had the chance to never be fused to S1, I'd go with Linda Racine.

It's not that it's terrible and impossible to live with. No, I can do most everything. It's just that it IS somewhat limiting, and I have young kids and pets and don't like being limited. If you do go to S1, know that it's pretty bad at first, but things start to get much better after 6 months to a year.

Thanks Evelyn! I am going to go ahead and go all the way because I was told that the probability of having to go back and revise it was very high in the next five years. I am one week till the day of surgery. I go in on the 12th for the central line and then bright and early on the 13th we will begin what I hope to be the final surgery to my new spine. I am ready to get rid of this pain and to move on to the new pain with recovery in sight.

I was fused to s1 on the first surgery, but I just wanted to post a comment about putting on underwear or pants---I found out if I put on the left leg first that I can get them on--but right leg first--no way!
These are the things that we learn as we go.